The next-closest vote-getter was EagleMonk Pub and Brewery, some 200 tallies behind.

What does it mean? For one, MLive's John "Gonzo" Gonzalez will be paying a visit to downtown Mason's microbrewery as part of his endeavor to find Michigan's Best Brewery. Some of the mid-Michigan region's other top performers in the poll may get a visit, too. You'll just have to stay tuned!

What are we looking for: The best overall experience, including the variety of beer they produce, quality of menu (if food is offered), ambience and the staff's craft beer IQ.

Bottom line: This has to be a fun place that offers great beer!

• We will visit each top winners from each of the nine regions of Michigan we cover Sept. 16-22. (Upper Peninsula visits took place last weekend.)